From September 27 to 29, Salt Lake City played host to the 2023 ACTE Best Practices and Innovations Conference, a vital gathering for Career and Technical Education (CTE) leaders. Jointly organized by the NCLA and ACTE's Administration Division, this annual event drew administrators from secondary and postsecondary CTE programs for a concentrated and impactful experience.
The conference agenda provided practical insights, focusing on key areas of CTE leadership. It aimed to provide administrators with tools to enhance their leadership skills and navigate the dynamic landscape of CTE education effectively. The conference prioritized high-quality professional development, ensuring that administrators could gain valuable insights to refine their leadership and stay up-to-date with the evolving demands of CTE needs in education.
Sessions spanned instructional leadership, CTE teacher mentorship, best practices, district marketing, tech skills integration, and fostering business and industry partnerships, offering a comprehensive exploration of crucial aspects of CTE administration.
Several region representatives contributed to standout presentations that added depth to the conference:
- Work-Based Learning: Robyn Dunn and Brian Blake shared practical insights for enhancing Work-Based Learning, providing actionable strategies to bridge the gap between education and real-world application.
- Legislative Advocacy: Alan Ashton's presentation focused on making CTE personal to legislators, equipping administrators to champion CTE by finding common ground, understanding legislation, and knowing their CTE WHY.
- Regional Alignments: Additionally, Abby Thompson (MTECH), Amy Ewell (Region), and Stefanie Adams (UVU), Mountainland Region CTE representatives, underscored the importance of regional alignments and articulations, highlighting collaborative events like the "Get The Scoop on CTE" family event.
The 2023 ACTE Best Practices Conference in Salt Lake City was a transformative experience for CTE leaders. By offering practical insights and fostering collaborative learning, administrators left with the knowledge and tools necessary to steer their institutions toward a future marked by educational excellence. As they return to their programs, the impact of this conference is poised to shape the trajectory of Career and Technical Education for years to come.